Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michelle Donelan and Holly Mumby-Croft

Monday 7th September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to help universities increase the number of places available to students in 2020-21.

[The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan)]

We are working across government and closely with the higher education sector, utilising the higher education taskforce I have created, to ensure that the vast majority of students who want to go to university this year can do so at the university their grades unlock.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michelle Donelan]

If a student is not already accessing the maximum loan and the income of their parents or carers has changed, they should fill in a change of income form with the Student Loans Company. On the hardship funds, we have worked with the Office for Students so that they can show more flexibility, and this will amount to £256 million for the coming academic year.

[Holly Mumby-Croft]

My constituent, Hannah Moat, is one of the top high-jump athletes in the UK and was on track to study psychology and criminology at Loughborough University. Unfortunately, owing to a clerical error that someone made when inputting her centre-assessed grade, she has so far been denied her place on that course. Will the Minister work with me to make sure that students such as Hannah who have been affected by administrative errors made by their schools will not be denied their place at university?